18-35s three times as likely to set savings goals and build higher balances
Twice as likely to plan ahead for upcoming bills

New data from Ubank, Australia’s first homegrown digital bank, shows frequent app use is linked to stronger saving habits and more proactive money management among 18–35s, who engage with their banking app around 20 times per month.

Ubank customer data shows younger Australians log in more often and make greater use of features such as alerts and automation. Those aged 18 to 35 are three times more likely to set savings goals and twice as likely to stay on top of upcoming bills, highlighting a more engaged and proactive approach to managing their money.

The findings point to a shift towards more regular, habit-driven money management, with younger Australians moving away from occasional check-ins and instead using digital tools to track spending, plan ahead and stay in control of their finances.

This behavioural shift is occurring alongside changing views on success and wealth among younger Australians, with Ubank’s Financial Wellbeing Study highlighting a stronger focus on what money enables. While financial security and home ownership remain important, younger Australians are placing more emphasis on flexibility, balance and greater day-to-day control as they work toward their goals.

At the same time, they continue to attach a clear financial benchmark to success, with those aged 18 to 25 estimating they need around $1.4 million to feel wealthy, rising to around $3 million among Australians aged 46 to 65.

Key findings from Ubank’s Financial Wellbeing Study show feelings of wealth and success sit at the intersection of financial progress, personal fulfilment and lifestyle freedom.

54% of 18–35s say wealth is about achieving a better quality of life
52% define success as having a balanced life across work, study and pleasure
31% say success means working in a role they are passionate about
17% define success as travelling or taking a gap year

This trend is playing out alongside a broader rise in digital money management, with nine in ten Australians now tracking their expenses with banking apps the most common method. Ubank data shows younger customers are not just checking their balance, but actively using tools to plan ahead, manage bills and build savings over time.

The insights come as Ubank launches its new ‘Money Done Better’ brand platform, focused on enabling customers to take practical control of their money through powerful digital banking tools.

Andrew Morrison, Ubank Chief Digital and Customer Officer, said the data suggests younger Australians are reshaping how financial progress is built, with frequent app use building muscle memory around successful money management.

“We’re seeing a shift towards more active money management, where people are checking in more often, setting goals and staying on top of their spending and bills, with those small, regular actions adding up over time,” he said.

“With wealth and success being defined differently by younger Australians, it’s becoming less about a single financial milestone and more about feeling in control day-to-day. That’s where regular app use plays a key role, helping people clearly see and manage their money so they can build habits that support both their long-term goals and the way they want to live today.”

How young Australians do money better

While today’s economic challenges continue to disproportionately affect younger Australians, they remain engaged and optimistic, using digital banking tools and features to stay in control of their spending, saving and bills. Ubank data shows some of the most popular tools and features among under-35s include:

Low balance alerts (48%), push notifications helping customers stay aware of their balance and avoid shortfalls
Savings targets (32%), supporting goal setting and consistent saving habits
Pay cycle (18%), helping customers track income and expenses and count down to their next payday

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NAB Behavioural Economics methodology
The research was conducted over the period 4-17 February 2025 by NAB Behavioural Economics and is based on the responses of a representative sample of 1064 Australians aged 18 years and over.

Ubank customer data
Ubank customer data is based on aggregated, anonymised insights from recent customer app usage.

About Ubank
Ubank is Australia’s first homegrown digital bank, helping more than one million customers do money better. Designed to fit the lives of young Australians, Ubank makes it easy to organise your banking around your life. With helpful tools, real-time insights and personalised features that help you get ahead, money just makes sense with Ubank. With clear, simple and secure banking that helps you to feel more in control, Ubank is money done better for the next generation.

Young Australians redefine success as daily money habits overtake big milestones